GE Aerospace Foundation and Perspektywy Education Foundation Launch Next...
Download PDF (217 KB)First of four new locations to accelerate diversity and strengthen pipeline of students in engineering
November 13, 2024, WARSAW – The GE Aerospace Foundation announced today its partnership with the Perspektywy Education Foundation for the launch of its education program Next Engineers in Warsaw. Warsaw was chosen as the first of four additional Next Engineers cities and will help advance the program’s goal of encouraging young people to pursue careers in engineering.
Next Engineers was created by the GE Foundation, now known as the GE Aerospace Foundation, in 2021 to support the development of the next generation of engineers. It provides students ages 13 through 18 the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with GE Aerospace engineers, building awareness and excitement around what’s possible with a career in engineering.
Warsaw Next Engineers programming will include Engineering Discovery, which supports late primary school and early secondary school students, and Engineering Academy, which prepares later secondary school students to think and act like engineers through immersive design challenges, career coaching, and university-readiness workshops. Scholarships will also be offered to eligible students who complete Engineering Academy and pursue engineering degrees at university. Programming will begin in early 2025, engaging an estimated 4,000 students over four years.
“We’re proud of the impact Next Engineers has already demonstrated by reaching 18,000 students around the world since its founding in 2021, and are excited to continue its success in Warsaw,” said GE Aerospace Foundation Board Member and GE Aerospace Chief Diversity Officer Germaine Hunter. “Expanding Next Engineers to Poland will build on 10 years of volunteer efforts here, supported by GE Aerospace employees who engage future generations of engineering professionals as they develop their passions and skills.”
Warsaw was selected using a range of criteria, including GE Aerospace’s employee footprint, the strength of GE Aerospace’s manufacturing and engineering presence, and anticipated volunteer engagement in the program. GE Aerospace in Poland supports the entire lifecycle of aeroengines and products with over 2,000 employees. The Warsaw site has a strong history of supporting educational opportunities for local communities, including classes focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), children’s homes, the Young Explorer Club, and tutoring.
“Over 17 years, Perspektywy has inspired more than 250,000 young women to explore an education in engineering,” said Perspektywy Education Foundation CEO Bianka Siwińska. “We look forward to working with the Next Engineers program and GE Aerospace Foundation to expand this reach and give talented young adults the best possible chance to grow and become the engineers they dream of being.”
Current Next Engineers programs are located in Cincinnati, Ohio; Greenville, South Carolina; Staffordshire, UK and Johannesburg, South Africa. In May, the GE Aerospace Foundation committed $20 million through 2030 to expand Next Engineers and will launch three additional cities in the coming years.
Parents and students interested in learning more about the program can visit https://www.nextengineers.org/locations/warsaw.
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About the GE Aerospace Foundation
The GE Aerospace Foundation, an independent charitable organization funded by GE Aerospace, complements the company’s purpose to “lift people up” in communities where employees live and work around the world. The Foundation’s philanthropic strategy and programs focus on engineering education, workforce development, and disaster relief. We also support GE Aerospace employees through programs such as Matching Gifts and STAR Awards. When GE Aerospace launched as an independent company in 2024, the GE Foundation was relaunched as the GE Aerospace Foundation, commencing a new chapter that builds on the successful, 100+ year legacy of the previous GE Foundation. Learn more at www.geaerospace.com/company/philanthropy.
About GE Aerospace
GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) is a global aerospace propulsion, services, and systems leader with an installed base of approximately 44,000 commercial and 26,000 military aircraft engines. With a global team of 52,000 employees building on more than a century of innovation and learning, GE Aerospace is committed to inventing the future of flight, lifting people up, and bringing them home safely. Learn more about how GE Aerospace and its partners are defining flight for today, tomorrow and the future at www.geaerospace.com.
About Perspektywy Education Foundation
The Perspektywy Education Foundation, established in 2003, is a leading Polish non-profit supporting young people in their educational and career choices, focusing on diversity in STEM fields. Perspektywy is known for its trusted national rankings of schools and universities. Among its 70+ initiatives is the award-winning IT for SHE program, where female students teach programming to children across Poland. The program was honored by the European Commission for its impact on digital skills. For 17 years, Perspektywy has run the 'Girls Go Engineering' campaign, involving over 250,000 female secondary students. A core initiative, Perspektywy Women in Tech, empowers women in STEM through mentoring, career guidance, and leadership development. It also organizes Europe’s largest Women in Tech Summit, drawing 14,000 participants last year alone.
About FHI 360
FHI 360 is a global organization that mobilizes research, resources and relationships so people everywhere have access to the opportunities they need to lead full and healthy lives. With collaborations in over 60 countries, FHI 360 works directly with local leaders to advance social and economic equity, improve health and well-being, respond to humanitarian crises and strengthen community resilience. FHI 360 shares data-driven insights and scalable tools that expand access and equity so communities can effectively address complex challenges, respond to shocks and achieve thriving futures.